Con Nooga brings fandom to the Chattanooga Convention Center
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Con Nooga made its return to the Chattanooga Convention Center today, drawing thousands of fans together to celebrate pop culture, gaming, anime, and all things fandom.
Attendees filled the convention floor in elaborate costumes, showcasing their favorite characters from movies, television, comics, and video games.
Grace Barth, dressed as Glinda from Wicked, proudly shared details about her costume.
“I am dressed as Glinda with a G. Very important,” Barth said. “And she is from Wicked, and I absolutely obsessed with her.”
Fans say events like Con Nooga are about more than costumes.
They provide a welcoming space to meet others who share similar interests.
“Well, cons are always a super great place to meet all sorts of people,” Rhoda, a Con Nooga fan, said. “You can see fairies, you can see knights, you can see storm troopers and superheroes. There are all sorts of things to see and lots of wonderful people to talk to.”
Vendors and podcasters also lined the convention floor, offering merchandise and experiences for attendees of all ages.
“There were vendors geared for adults, others offered something for all ages,” podcaster David Mercer explained. “We hand out free stickers to people just so they can enjoy them, because everybody likes putting them on their coffee cups and laptops.”
Mercer said the event was enjoyable for families as well.
“I took my kids. I have a 13-year-old and a 10-year-old,” Mercer elaborated. “We did the whole thing this morning. There were some sections we skipped, but there was still a lot of stuff that we got to look at and have fun.”
For many, Con Nooga is not just a convention. It is a place to feel accepted and comfortable.
“The world is a little crazy,” Nick Lewis, a Con Nooga fan, said. “So if you want somewhere where you can really feel safe among like minded people and just feel comfortable in today’s climate, this is the place to be.”
As fans continue to gather in costume and celebration, Con Nooga once again provides a space where fandoms can bring a community together under one roof.
Click here for admission pricing.
